NMR Probe Dual-Shield Design for Magnetic Field Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing NMR probes face challenges in suppressing high-frequency magnetic field irradiation to regions outside the observation object, leading to reduced resolution and increased high-frequency loss due to the diffraction of magnetic fields and heat-induced resistance increases in shields.

Innovation Solution

The NMR probe incorporates a dual-shield configuration, where a room-temperature shield is placed on the outer surface of the sample temperature control pipe and a low-temperature shield between the detection coil and the room-temperature shield, with strategically sized window sections to block high-frequency magnetic fields, reducing irradiation to unintended areas and maintaining the Q value of the detection coil.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a shield is provided to block high-frequency magnetic field irradiation to regions outside the observation object, then the resolution of NMR spectrum is improved, but the shield absorbs high-frequency magnetic field energy causing increased high-frequency loss and decreased Q value of the detection coil

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNMR spectrum resolutionVSAvoidhigh-frequency magnetic field energy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The shield is divided into multiple segments with different properties: a room-temperature shield and a low-temperature shield. The room-temperature shield blocks magnetic field diffusion to improve resolution, while the low-temperature shield specifically protects against high-frequency magnetic field absorption, thereby reducing energy loss and maintaining Q value.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the shield structure are assigned different temperatures and functional properties. The room-temperature shield is positioned to handle magnetic field diffusion blocking, while the low-temperature shield is positioned to minimize high-frequency energy absorption. This local differentiation of properties allows simultaneous achievement of high resolution and low energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If the shield is placed closer to the detection coil to reduce high-frequency loss, then the Q value is maintained, but the shield blocks the magnetic field necessary for observation of the sample

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-frequency magnetic field energy lossVSAvoidNMR spectrum resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding function is segmented between two distinct shields: the low-temperature shield positioned near the detection coil to maintain Q value, and the room-temperature shield positioned to control magnetic field diffusion for resolution. This segmentation allows each shield to be optimally positioned for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The room-temperature shield acts as an intermediary between the low-temperature shield and the sample region. It manages the magnetic field diffusion that would otherwise reach the sample, while allowing the low-temperature shield to maintain its position near the detection coil for Q value optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single shield is used to block both magnetic field diffusion and high-frequency irradiation, then the structure is simple, but it cannot simultaneously achieve high resolution and low high-frequency loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshield structure complexityVSAvoidNMR spectrum resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than using a single complex shield, the system employs two simpler shields with distinct functions. The room-temperature shield handles magnetic field diffusion blocking, and the low-temperature shield handles high-frequency irradiation protection. This segmentation achieves superior performance while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each shield serves multiple purposes within its temperature regime. The room-temperature shield provides structural support and magnetic field management, while the low-temperature shield provides thermal isolation and high-frequency field protection. Together they create a multi-functional system that addresses multiple requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration effectively suppresses high-frequency magnetic field irradiation to areas outside the observation object, thereby enhancing NMR spectrum resolution and minimizing high-frequency loss by optimizing the placement and size of shields relative to the detection coil.

Implementation Method 1

The detection coil is configured to apply a high-frequency magnetic field to the sample in transmission and detect an NMR signal of the sample in reception

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a low-temperature shield between the detection coil and the room-temperature shield, configured to block irradiation of the high-frequency magnetic field from reaching the room-temperature shield

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 3

a room-temperature shield between the sample container and the detection coil, configured to block irradiation of the high-frequency magnetic field from reaching a region other than an observation object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 4

Since cooled superconductors have almost zero electrical resistance, superconductors can reduce the above-described noise and improve the detection sensitivity of the NMR signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Data Source

PatentEP3561533B1NMR probe
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 JEOL LTD
  • EP3561533B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3561533B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3561533B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sample pipe (46) is provided in a sample temperature control pipe (40). A detection coil (56) is provided in a low-temperature airtight chamber (48) and configured to irradiate a sample with a high-frequency magnetic field. A room-temperature shield (70) is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the sample temperature control pipe (40) or on an inner circumferential surface thereof, and is configured to block irradiation of the high-frequency magnetic field from the detection coil (56) from reaching a region other than an observation object. A low-temperature shield (60) is provided in an airtight chamber (48) and between the detection coil (56) and the room-temperature shield (70) and is configured to block irradiation of the high-frequency magnetic field from the detection coil (56) from reaching the room-temperature shield (70).